Metal hydride air conditioner

ABSTRACT

A system for flowing gaseous fluid comprising: a collection container; compression machinery disposed within the collection container, and including an inlet, a fluid compression space, and an outlet, wherein the inlet is fluidly coupled to the outlet through the fluid compression space, and wherein the inlet is fluidly coupled to an inlet fluid conduit and the outlet is fluidly coupled to an outlet fluid conduit and each of the inlet and outlet fluid conduits extends through and externally of the container; wherein the collection container is configured for receiving gaseous fluid leakage flow from the compression space, and is fluidly coupled to the inlet of the compression machinery to facilitate flow of the received leaked gaseous fluid to the inlet of the compression machinery.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Application No.PCT/US2004/039147 filed Nov. 22, 2004, which is a non-provisional ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/571,867 filed May 17, 2004, theentire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to air conditioners and, in particular,metal hydride air conditioners.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Metal hydride heat exchangers have been considered for use in providingcool passenger air to vehicles, such as automobiles. Such application isdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,251. To effect the described heatexchanger operation, adequate heat must be available on-board thevehicle to facilitate compression of gaseous hydrogen. Unfortunately,due to a lack of high quality heat available in hybrid vehicles, othermeans must be considered to effect the necessary compression of hydrogenduring the operation of metal hydride heat exchangers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided asystem for flowing gaseous hydrogen comprising: a collection container;compression machinery disposed within the collection container, andincluding an inlet, a fluid compression space, and an outlet, whereinthe inlet is fluidly coupled to the outlet through the fluid compressionspace, and wherein the inlet is coupled to an inlet fluid conduit andthe outlet is coupled to an outlet fluid conduit and each of the inletand outlet fluid conduits extends through and externally of thecontainer; and a hydrogen storage container containing hydrogen storagematerial and fluidly coupled to the outlet of the compression machinery;wherein the collection container is configured for receiving gaseoushydrogen leakage flow from the compression space, and wherein thecollection container is fluidly coupled to the inlet of the compressionmachinery to facilitate flow of the leaked gaseous fluid to the inlet ofthe compression machinery.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda system for flowing gaseous fluid comprising: a collection container;compression machinery comprising: an inlet; a fluid compression spacefluidly coupled to the inlet; a moveable member disposed in forceapplication communication relative to the fluid compression space andconfigured for effecting an application of a force to the fluidcompression space upon a movement of the moveable member; and an outletfluidly coupled to the fluid compression space; and a hydrogen storagecontainer containing hydrogen storage material and fluidly coupled tothe outlet of the compression machinery; wherein the collectioncontainer is configured for receiving gaseous fluid which leaks acrossthe moveable member from the compression space, and is fluidly coupledto the inlet of the compression machinery to facilitate flow of theleaked gaseous fluid to the inlet of the compression machinery.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a vehicle including a passenger compartment and a coolingsystem, the cooling system comprising: a first hydrogen storagecontainer containing a first hydrogen storage material; a first processfluid conduit disposed in thermal communication disposition with thehydrogen storage container, and fluidly coupled to the passengercompartment for flowing hot ambient air flow received from within thepassenger compartment and effecting heat transfer from the hot ambientair flow to the first hydrogen storage container to provide a cooledambient air flow to the passenger compartment; compression machineryfluidly coupled to the first hydrogen storage container for receiving alow pressure gaseous fluid from the hydrogen storage container, andconfigured for pressurizing the received low pressure gaseous fluid toprovide a high pressure gaseous fluid, and discharging a flow of thehigh pressure gaseous fluid; a second hydrogen storage container fluidlycoupled to the compression machinery for receiving the discharged flowof the high pressure gaseous fluid, the second hydrogen storagecontainer containing a second hydrogen storage material; and a secondprocess fluid conduit disposed in thermal communication disposition withthe hydrogen storage container, and fluidly coupled to an environmentexterior to the vehicle.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a method of effecting cooling of a first process fluid andheating of a second process fluid comprising: transferring heat from ahot first process fluid to a first hydrogen storage material to effectdesorption of gaseous hydrogen and provide a cooled first process fluid;mechanically compressing the desorbed gaseous hydrogen to providepressurized gaseous hydrogen; effecting absorption of the pressurizedgaseous hydrogen by a second hydrogen storage material to produce heatenergy; transferring the produced heat energy to a second process fluid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood by reference to the followingdetailed description of the invention in conjunction with the followingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional illustration, illustrating thecirculation of ambient air from the interior or a vehicle and acrossheat exchanges, and also the circulation of ambient air external to thevehicle and across an embodiment of the system of the present invention,where a single fan is used to effect flow of external air across eitherheat exchanger, and where separate fans are provided to effect flow ofinterior vehicle air across each heat exchanger;

FIG. 2 is a process flow diagram of an embodiment of a system of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3A, 3B, and 3C are, respectively, side elevation (3A), frontelevation (3B), and top plan, (3C) detailed views of the collectioncontainer of the present invention, with associated piping components,and internal components (eg., compressor and piping) in dotted outline;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of the suction and discharge pipingof the compressor of the present invention, as well as the returnconduit effecting fluid coupling between the collection container andthe suction conduit of the compressor;

FIG. 5A is a schematic sectional illustration of a compressor used in anembodiment of a system of the present invention;

FIG. 5B is a schematic sectional illustration of another compressor usedin another embodiment of a system of the present invention;

FIG. 6A illustrates in an exploded view a modular heat exchangerassembly useful in practice of the invention;

FIG. 6B illustrates the assembled modular heat exchanger of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C illustrates a detail view of the assembly of FIG. 6A and theconnection to tubular elements which contain the hydrogen storagematerial; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a vehicle employing an embodimentof a system of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides a system 2 for cooling air.

The preferred embodiment of the cooling system includes two heatexchangers 802, 804. Each of these heat exchangers comprises a containercontaining at least one hydrogen storage material.

References to hydrogen are intended to refer to protium and deuterium(isotopes of hydrogen), alone or in combination.

Each of the hydrogen storage materials within each of the containersconsists essentially of a hydrogen storage composition and/or ahydridable form of the hydrogen storage composition.

In the context of the hydrogen storage material, “consisting essentiallyof” means that matter other than the hydrogen storage composition and/orthe hydridable form of the hydrogen storage composition may or may notbe present in the hydrogen storage material. In other words, thehydrogen storage material can consist entirely of the hydrogen storagecomposition and/or the hydridable form of the hydrogen storagecomposition. However, if present, this other matter may be present asimpurities introduced into the hydrogen storage material as by-productsarising during processing or from the raw materials, or introduced bycontamination when assembling the system or during operation of thesystem. This other matter may also be intentionally present to functionas a catalyst for hydrogen transfer (eg., hydrogenation ordehydrogenation) reactions, or may also be intentionally present tofunction as a dessicant. This other matter is present in amounts whichare not significant so as to effect the desired properties of thehydrogen storage material, as discussed herein, or to noticeablyinterfere with any of the processes occurring during the operation ofthe system of the present invention.

Various gaseous fluids are described below as “consisting essentially ofgaseous hydrogen”. In the context of the gaseous fluids, the term“consisting essentially of” means that matter (eg., other gases) otherthan gaseous hydrogen may or may not be present in the gaseous fluid. Inother words, the gaseous fluid can consist entirely of the gaseoushydrogen, without any further matter present. However, if present, thisother matter may be present as impurities introduced into the gaseousfluid as by-products arising during processing or from the rawmaterials, or as impurities introduced into the system of the presentinvention when assembling the system or during operation of the system.This other matter is present in amounts which are not significant so asto effect the desired properties of the gaseous hydrogen, or tonoticeably interfere with any of the processes occurring during theoperation of the system.

It is understood that the hydrogen storage composition of each of the atleast one first hydrogen storage material is different for each of theat least one first hydrogen storage material.

The hydridable form of a hydrogen storage composition can be any of: ametal, a metalloid, an alloy of a metal, an alloy of a metalloid, acompound of a metal, or a compound of a metalloid. The metal or themetalloid of the hydridable form must be available to become associatedwith hydrogen so as to form the hydrogen storage composition.Conversely, decomposition of the hydrogen storage composition(dissociation of hydrogen from the first hydrogen storage composition)results in the formation of the hydridable form.

Absorption of hydrogen by hydrogen storage material refers to theassociation of hydrogen with the hydrogen storage material. Possiblemechanisms for association in a “simple metal hydride” include:dissolution, covalent bonding, or ionic bonding. Dissolution describesthe process where a hydrogen atom is incorporated in the voids of alattice structure of a metal or intermetallic alloy. Examples of suchmaterials include vanadium hydrides, titanium hydrides, and hydrides ofvanadium-titanium alloys. An example of hydrogen association with ahydrogen storage material by way of a covalent bonding mechanism ismagnesium hydride. An examples of hydrogen association with a hydrogenstorage material by way of an ionic bonding mechanism is sodium hydrideand potassium hydride. Complex hydrides are metal hydrides which exhibitpartially covalent/partially ionic bonding between any of (i) atrivalent group IIIB metal, or (ii) a metalloid atom (such asaluminium), (iii) or a transition metal (such as iron) of the hydrogenstorage material and a hydrogen atom. It is understood that the presentunderstanding of the metal-hydrogen or metalloid-hydrogen bondingcoordination in a complex metal hydride is explained in Hauback et al.,“Accurate Structure of LiAlD₄ studied by combined powder and x-raydiffraction”, Journal of Alloys and Compounds 346 (2002) 184-189,Elsevier Science B. C. Examples of complex hydrides are sodium alanateand lithium alanate.

The term “a hydrogen storage composition and/or a hydridable form of thehydrogen storage composition” means any of: (i) the hydrogen storagecomposition, (ii) the hydridable form of the hydrogen storagecomposition, and (iii) a homogeneous or an inhomogeneous combination ofthe hydrogen storage composition and the hydridable form of the hydrogenstorage composition.

In one embodiment, each of the hydrogen storage materials is in the formof a powder. Preferably, the powder has an average diameter of less than0.01 inches before it has been hydrided the first time, and less than0.000039 inches after it has undergone several hydriding and dehydridingcycles.

Suitable hydrogen storage compositions include simple metal hydrides andcomplex metal hydrides. In a preferred embodiment, the hydridable formof the hydrogen storage composition is lanthanium pentanickel (LaNi₅).In another preferred embodiment, the hydrogen storage composition (in ahydridable form) is Ti_(x) Zr_(x) Mn_(y) V_(x) Fe_(x) Cr_(x) Ni_(x)where x is 0.001 to 1, and y is 0.01 to 2.0. A preferred species of thishydrogen storage material is Ti_(0.89) Zr_(0.122) Mn_(1.487) V_(0.407)Fe_(0.048) Cr_(0.045) Ni_(0.006).

The system 2 cools air by using the heat energy of ambient air to effectdesorption of hydrogen from a first hydrogen storage material disposedin a first container 30. The combination of the first container 30 andthe first hydrogen storage material functions as a first heat exchanger802. The first container contains the first hydrogen material and agaseous liquid consisting essentially of gaseous hydrogen, wherein thegaseous fluid is in contact with the first hydrogen storage material.Hydrogen desorption from the first hydrogen storage material and intothe gaseous fluid occurs at a predetermined temperature, and upon inputof a predetermined amount of heat energy, when the first hydrogenstorage material comprises a hydrogen storage composition having, at thepredetermined temperature, a desorption plateau pressure which isgreater than the partial pressure of gaseous hydrogen in the gaseousfluid contacting the hydrogen storage composition of the first hydrogenstorage material.

Desorption of hydrogen from the first hydrogen storage material is anendothermic reaction, requiring an input of heat energy to the firsthydrogen storage material. Such heat energy is supplied by a fluid,preferably air for which cooling is desired. In the preferredembodiment, the first container 30 is contacted with air for whichcooling is desired. The air is characterized by a higher temperaturethan the temperature of the first hydrogen storage material disposed inthe first container 30. Preferably, the air is drawn from the interiorpassenger compartment of a vehicle 4 (see FIG. 7), such as anautomobile, and forced by a first fan 10 a through conduit 302 to flowacross and contact the first container 30. The air flows across thecontainer 30, and heat is transferred from the air to the first hydrogenstorage material, effecting desorption of hydrogen from the hydrogenstorage material, and also a reduction in the temperature of the air.The cooled air is then returned to the interior of the vehicle throughconduit 304.

Once the hydrogen of the first hydrogen storage material available fordesorption becomes desorbed or substantially desorbed from the firsthydrogen storage material, regeneration of the first hydrogen storagematerial with hydrogen must be effected so that the first hydrogenstorage material can continue to function as an effective heat sink toeffect desired cooling of the air (this is referred to as“regeneration”). In the present invention, mechanical compressionmachinery such as a mechanical compressor 20 is provided and fluidlycoupled to the first container 30. The mechanical compressor 20 receivesa low pressure gaseous fluid consisting essentially of hydrogen throughan inlet or suction 22, imparts mechanical energy to the low pressuregaseous fluid to effect pressurization thereof to form a high pressuregaseous fluid consisting essentially of gaseous hydrogen, and deliversthe high pressure gaseous fluid to the first container through an outletor a discharge 24. Absorption of hydrogen, from the high pressuregaseous fluid consisting of essentially hydrogen, by the first hydrogenstorage material occurs at a predetermined temperature when the firsthydrogen storage material comprises a hydridable form of a hydrogenstorage composition having, at the predetermined temperature, anabsorption plateau pressure which is less than the partial pressure ofthe gaseous hydrogen in the high pressure gaseous fluid contacting thehydridable form of the hydrogen storage composition of the firsthydrogen storage material.

Hydrogen absorption by the first hydrogen storage material is anexothermic reaction, resulting in the generation of heat energy. Suchheat energy is removed by a cooling system. In one embodiment, thenecessary cooling is effected by the first container 30 being contactedwith a fluid, wherein the fluid is characterized by a lower temperaturethan the temperature of the first hydrogen storage material disposed inthe first container 30. Preferably, the fluid is ambient air which isdrawn from the environment 7 external to the vehicle (see FIG. 7) and isforced by a second fan 50 through conduit 402 to flow across and contactthe first container 30. The ambient air flows across the first container30, and heat is transferred from first hydrogen storage material to theambient air to facilitate hydrogen absorption by the first hydrogenstorage material. The ambient air is heated and is returned throughconduit 404 to the environment 7 external to the vehicle.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in one embodiment, so as to continue toprovide the necessary desired cooling of the air from within the vehicleduring regeneration of the first hydrogen storage material of the firstcontainer 30, the present invention provides a second container 40containing a second hydrogen storage material. The combination of thesecond container 40 and the second hydrogen storage material functionsas a second heat exchanger 804. While the first hydrogen storagematerial is being regenerated by the compressor 20, the second container40 is contacted with a fluid, preferably air, at a higher temperaturethan the second hydrogen storage material. Heat energy is transferredfrom the air to the second hydrogen storage material to effectdesorption of hydrogen from the second hydrogen storage material.Desorption of hydrogen from the second hydrogen storage material occursat a predetermined temperature, and upon input of a predetermined amountof heat energy, when the second hydrogen storage material comprises ahydrogen storage composition having, at the predetermined temperature, adesorption plateau pressure which is greater than the partial pressureof gaseous hydrogen in the gaseous fluid contacting the hydrogen storagecomposition of the second hydrogen storage material.

Preferably, the air is drawn from the interior passenger compartment ofa vehicle 4, such as an automobile, and forced by a fan to flow throughconduit 602 and across the second container 40. The air contacts andflows across the container 40, and heat is transferred from the air tothe second hydrogen storage material, and the cooled air is thenreturned through conduit 604 to the interior of the automobile.

Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, a third fan 10 b is used toeffect flow of ambient air from an interior of a vehicle and across thesecond container 40. In another embodiment, the system can be configuredsuch that the first fan 10 a could be used to perform the function ofthird fan 10 b if the conduits 304 and 604 are joined together.

Upon the first hydrogen storage material being fully or partiallyregenerated and becoming available to participate in the cooling of thedesired air mass, the second hydrogen storage material can then beregenerated in a manner similar to that described as for the firsthydrogen storage material, with the use of the compressor 20. Thecompressor is fluidly coupled to the second container 40. The compressor20 receives a low pressure gaseous fluid consisting essentially ofhydrogen through the suction 22, imparts mechanical energy to thegaseous fluid to effect pressurization of the gaseous fluid (and,therefore, the gaseous hydrogen) to form a high pressure gaseous fluidconsisting essentially of hydrogen, and delivers the high pressuregaseous fluid to the second container 40 through the discharge 24. Thesecond hydrogen storage material becomes regenerated when hydrogen isabsorbed by the second hydrogen storage material. Such absorptionoccurs, at a predetermined temperature, when the second hydrogen storagematerial comprises a hydridable form of a hydrogen storage compositionhaving, at the predetermined temperature, an absorption plateau pressurewhich is lower than the partial pressure of gaseous hydrogen in the highpressure gaseous fluid contacting the hydridable form of the hydrogenstorage composition of the second hydrogen storage material.

During regeneration of the second hydrogen storage material, heat energyis generated. Preferably, the second fan 50 is used to cool the secondcontainer 40 during the regeneration cycle by drawing ambient air fromthe environment external to the vehicle and forcing such drawn ambientair to flow through conduit 502 and across the second container 40. Theambient air becomes heated as it flows across the second container 40,and this heated air is then returned through conduit 504 to theenvironment external to the vehicle.

Preferably, the second hydrogen storage material is the same as, orsubstantially the same as the first hydrogen storage material. However,it is understood that it is not necessary that the first and secondhydrogen storage materials are the same or substantially the same. Likethe first hydrogen storage material, suitable second hydrogen storagematerials include simple metal hydrides, complex metal hydrides, andhydridable forms thereof. Like the first hydrogen storage material, inone embodiment, the second hydrogen storage material is in the form of apowder, and, preferably, the powder has an average particle sizediameter of less than

Preferably, each of the first and second containers 30, 40 containingthe respective hydrogen storage materials, includes a plurality ofmodules of the modular heat exchanger configuration described andillustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,623,987.

Referring now to FIG. 6A, an exploded view of a preferred modular heatexchanger assembly useful in heat exchangers 802 and 804 is illustrated.

For each modular assembly, an inlet conduit 9222 is provided and withexpanded flat end 9228. The inner surface adjacent end 9228 includesthreads 9230, shown in phantom, for connection to other elements of theassembly. An annular, radially extending, flat end surface 9232 of theend 9228 extends through a plane which lies substantially perpendicularto the centerline of 9222.

A cylindrical ring manifold 9238 is provided comprising a tubularelement with two threaded ends 9240, 9242 and a number of apertures 9244which extend through the tube wall and are disposed circumferentiallyaround the ring manifold 9238. Each of the apertures 9244 provides gascommunication to the inside of the manifold 9238. The threaded end 9240is adapted for connection to the threads 9230 on the inner surface ofthe end 9228 of conduit 9222 and provides a framework for furtherconnection with additional elements of the assembly, as is discussedbelow.

The ring manifold 9238 advantageously includes upstanding ribs 9246which separate groups of apertures 9244. The other threaded end 9242provides a connection for other elements of the assembly. Plural modularring elements 9250 are each adapted for sliding onto and over the ringmanifold 9238. Each ring element 9250 comprises an annular ring having acentral opening which has an inner diameter slightly larger than theouter diameter of the ring manifold 9238. The ring element 9250 has aplurality of apertures 9254 which extend radially through thecircumferential wall of the element 9250 from the outer to the innerdiameter surfaces.

Each ring element 9250 can be fitted over the ring manifold 9238 untilit reaches a position overlying the apertures 9244 of the ring manifold.Optimally, each aperture 9254 of the ring element 9250 is disposed overa portion of ring manifold 9238 which includes an aperture 9244. Thisarrangement should essentially provide more or less direct communicationfrom the inner diameter of the manifold 9238 through the apertures 9244,9254 to the outside diameter of the ring element 9250.

Each ring element 9250 further provides two radially extending faces9256, 9258 which, when assembled, are each disposed substantiallyperpendicularly to the centerline of the device. Preferably, each of thering elements 9250 are identical and interchangeable. Placing the pluralring elements 9250 end-to-end, that is, each face 9256 of one ring isplaced adjacent face 9258 of the next adjacent ring, provides acylindrical tube having stacked annular ring elements 9250. Whenassembled, the cylindrical tube formed by the ring elements 9250overlies the ring manifold 9238.

The axial widths of the ring elements 9250 between the faces 9256, 9258are of a predetermined dimension. When the ring manifold 9238 isscrewably attached to valve threads 9230 and the ring elements 9250 areassembled over the ring manifold 9238, there is a substantial portion ofthe threads 9242 which protrude through the central opening of the lastring element 9250 in the stack of plural ring elements. An end piece9260, having a chamber 9262 with a threaded, circumferential, internalsurface, is securably attached to the ring manifold 9238. Threads 9242of the ring manifold 9238 conform to the internal threads of thesurface, thus enabling the end piece to be screwably attached onto thering manifold 9238. Each piece 9260 has an outer thread in order toaccommodate a bracket or fixture that will allow the entire heatexchanger to be mounted from the manifold 9238 and not the componenttubes 9270 (see below).

End piece 9260 also has a radially extending, circumferential flangedmember 9266 having a face 9268 at the axial terminus which iscoextensive with the face 9258 of the last of the plural, stacked ringmembers 9250. Accordingly, after assembly of the ring elements 9250 overthe ring manifold 9238, the face 9256 of the first ring element 9250 isadjacent and opposite the flat end surface 9232 and also, each of thewalls 9256, 9258 of the other ring elements 9250 are adjacent andopposite each other. Rotation and engagement of the end piece 9260 ontothe threads 9242 of the ring manifold 9238 brings the end face 9268 ofthe end piece 9260 opposite and adjacent the face 9258 of the last ringelement 9250 in the stack.

As the end piece 9260 is screwed onto the ring manifold 9238, the face9268 exerts an axial pressure on the face 9258 of the ring element 9250and, in turn, on each face 9256, 9258 of the stack of ring elements. Inorder to provide an airtight enclosure for the space inside thecylindrical tube comprised of the ring elements 9250, a sealing element9269, such as a washer or 0-ring, is disposed between each pair of faces9256, 9258, 9232, 9256 and 9258, 9268. The sealing element 9269 may beinserted into a circumferential groove 9267 in each face 9256 and inface 9268, best shown in FIG. 6C. In one embodiment, the sealing element9269 comprises a soft crushable metal, such as 321 stainless steel(silver-plated) which will hermetically seal the faces against eachother to eliminate passage of all gases, including hydrogen, through theseal. In the preferred embodiment, the sealing element 9269 is aVITON™-ring.

FIG. 6C shows a front view of one of the ring elements 9250, togetherwith certain of the elements which are connected thereto. Referring nowto FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C, tubes 9270 are shown connected into the ringelements 9250. Each of the apertures 9254 are adapted to receive a tubeend 9272 therethrough. FIG. 7 shows two tubes 9270, the ends 9272 ofwhich tubes 9270 have been inserted into adjacent apertures 9254 whichare disposed on the same modular ring element 9250. FIG. 6C shows thering element 9250 having a radial face 9256 and central opening 9252,and being connected to only two of the plurality of tubes 9270 forpurposes of illustration.

FIG. 6B shows an assembled modular exchanger assembly with the samenumbering as FIG. 6A.

An end 9272 of each tube 9270 is shown inserted into an aperture 9254 influid-tight relationship and extending in a spiral around the ringelement 9250. When the outwardly directed spiral of tube 9270 reaches apoint spaced farthest from the ring element 9250, the spiral thenbecomes inwardly directed and returns toward the ring element 9250 atanother aperture 9254 on the same ring element 9250. For greater ease inmanufacture and assembly, the tube 9270 is not contained in a singleplane but the path of the tube is shifted in a lateral direction, i.e.along the axial direction as defined by the centerline of FIG. 6A, andthe other end 9272 of each tube is inserted through an aperture 9254that is in a different circumferential and axial position on the ringelement 9250.

For convenience during assembly, the apertures 9254 can comprise twelveequally spaced apertures disposed along a circumferential path on thering element 9250 in two rows. One row is connected to all of theoutwardly directed spirals of tubes 9270, and the other row of apertures9254 is connected to all of the inwardly directed tube ends 9272. Thesecond row of apertures 9254 are not visible in FIG. 6C because they arebehind the outwardly directed tube ends 9272.

The shift in lateral position of the tube 9270 is necessary because aseach tube 9270 reaches its outer periphery as measured from the ringelement 9250, the tubes 9270 would intersect if they were in the sameplane. Because each tube 9270 has an identical path, but a differentcircumferential starting and end point (at successive apertures 9254 indifferent planes) each of the twelve tubes 9270 are offset by 30 degreesin the circumferential direction. Thus intersection of the tubes at theouter periphery is avoided, and the final configuration appears tocomprise a single assembly of plurality of intertwined tubes 9270 withlayers of tubes 9270 being disposed one on top of another.

Preferably, the tubes 9270 are copper tubing, having an outer diameterof about ⅛ of an inch and having a radial wall thickness of 0.010inches. These parameters have been found capable of containing gas underpressures of up to 1000 p.s.i.g. without failure of the tube 9270. Thelength of tubes 9270 can be any desirable length, depending on thedesired final dimensions of the assembled modular heat exchange unit. Alength of about two feet is appropriate for a smaller size heat exchangeunit, and results in the outer periphery of all of the tubes 9270 havingan essentially circular configuration with a diameter of about 68inches. In the preferred embodiment, the length is 22 inches.

The tubes 9270 are not in the same plane, but are shifted slightdistances, as is explained above. The distance which tubes 9270 areshifted, however, is small compared to the outer diameter of theperiphery of the assembly. In fact, all of the tubes 270 are within aspace which is bounded by the planes defined by the radial walls 9256,9258 of modular ring element 9250.

This configuration provides for assembly of the modular ring elements9250 in stacks after the tubes 9270 have been connected to the apertures9254 of the ring elements 9250. Other configurations are possible inwhich the tubes 270 may be out of the plane boundaries, as long as eachmodular ring element 9250 is consistently identical and the tubes 9270do not interfere with the tubes 9270 of the adjacent modular ringelements 9250.

It is also possible that the tube 9270 can have a shape other than aspiral, or indeed, that only one end 9272 of each tube 9270 is connectedto the ring element 9250. The configuration shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B and6C, however, is preferable from the consideration of compactness, andalso to provide better circulation and transfer of gas through the tubes9270 and through the system during operation.

In accordance with generally known practices, positioned within tubes9270 are the metal hydride alloys. Preferably, as described in U.S. Pat.No. 4,396,114, flexible tubular means porous to the passage of hydrogengas therethrough, e.g., a stainless steel garter spring, coaxial withtube 9270, is provided. The annular space between the outer surface ofthe spring and the inner surface of tube 9270 is packed with theappropriate metal hydride alloy. The center portion within the flexiblespring provides a passage for hydrogen during use.

In practice of the invention, for each heat exchanger 802, 804, one ormore modular assemblies containing the hydrogen storage material ismounted by conventional means in the housing 806 such that the modularassembly is configured for heat exchange relationship with air flowingthrough the housing 806 such that the air passes in direct contact withtubes 270 of the modular assembly. Each modular assembly is suitablyfluidly coupled to respective conduits 8022, 8042, for facilitatinghydrogen supply and return. In the preferred embodiment, each heatexchanger 802, 804 includes fifteen (15) modular assemblies (ie.separate ring manifolds 9238) disposed in parallel relative to eachother. The ring manifold 9238 for each of the modular assemblies isseparately fluidly coupled to respective conduits 8022, 8042. Eachmodular assembly includes twelve (12) tubes 9270.

In one embodiment, heat exchangers 802 and 804 are mounted to a bracketfastened within a metal duct housing 806. The metal duct housing 806defines air flow conduits 302, 304, 402, 404, 502, 504, 602 and 604.

Preferably, the gaseous hydrogen of the low pressure gaseous fluidreceived by the compressor 20 is hydrogen which has been desorbed fromthe hydrogen storage material of one of the first and second containers30, 40. Accordingly, in one embodiment, a low pressure gaseous fluid isprovided consisting essentially of hydrogen desorbed from one of thefirst and second hydrogen storage materials (during the “coolingcycle”). The low pressure gaseous fluid consisting essentially ofhydrogen desorbed from one of the first and second hydrogen storagematerials is received by the compressor 20. The compressor 20 thencompresses the delivered low pressure gaseous fluid to form a highpressure gaseous fluid consisting essentially of gaseous hydrogendesorbed from one of the first and second hydrogen storage materials andeffects the delivery of this high pressure gaseous fluid to the hydrogenstorage material of the other one of the first and second containers 30,40. In this respect, while the hydrogen storage material of one of thefirst and second containers 30, 40 is undergoing a cooling cycle, thehydrogen storage material of the other one of the first and secondcontainers 30, 40 is undergoing a regeneration cycle, and the desorbedhydrogen from one of the containers 30, 40 is used to charge (becomeabsorbed by) the hydrogen storage material of the other one of thecontainers 30, 40.

Air flow across the heat exchangers 802, 804 is controlled by dampers3021, 3045, 4022, 4046, 5023, 5047, 6024 and 6048 disposed in theconduits 302, 304, 402, 404, 502, 504, 602, and 604. The damper 3021 isdisposed in the conduit 302 for opening and closing fluid communicationbetween ambient air being drawn from the interior of the vehicle and theheat exchanger 802. The damper 3045 is disposed in the conduit 304 foropening and closing fluid communication between fluid flowing across theheat exchanger 802 and the interior of the vehicle. Both dampers 3021and 3045 must be open to allow fan 10 a to effect flow through conduits302 and 304 and across heat exchanger 802. The damper 4022 is disposedin the conduit 402 for opening and closing fluid communication betweenoutside ambient air being drawn from the external environment and theheat exchanger 802. The damper 4046 is disposed in conduit 404 foropening and closing fluid communication between fluid flowing acrossheat exchanger 802 and the external environment (outside ambient air).Both dampers 4022 and 4046 must be open to allow fan 50 to effect flowthrough conduits 402 and 404 and across heat exchanger 802. The damper5023 is disposed in the conduit 502 for opening and closing fluidcommunication between the outside ambient air being drawn from theexternal environment and the heat exchanger 804. The damper 5047 isdisposed in the conduit 504 for opening and closing fluid communicationbetween fluid flowing across the heat exchanger 804 and the externalenvironment (outside ambient air). Both dampers 5023 and 5047 must beopen to allow fan 50 to effect flow through conduits 502 and 504 andheat exchanger 804. The damper 6024 is disposed in the conduit 602 foropening and closing fluid communication between ambient air being drawnfrom the interior of the vehicle and the heat exchanger 804. The damper6048 is disposed in the conduit 604 for opening and closing fluidcommunication between fluid flowing across the heat exchanger 804 andthe interior of the vehicle. Both dampers 6024 and 6048 must be open toallow fan 1Ob (in the FIG. 1 embodiment) or fan 10 a (in the embodimentwhere a single fan 10 a is used to also perform the function of fan 10b, where conduits 304 and 604 are joined together) to effect flowthrough conduits 602 and 604 and across heat exchanger 804.

The dampers can be in the form of any of any mechanical closing devicesuch as a flat piece of metal that slides, or is brought to lay over,the duct opening. Modes of actuation of this damper can vary, withelectromechanical actuators such as solenoids, servos, or pistonsperforming the conversion of electrical or compressed gas energy intomechanical motion.

Air flow across the heat exchangers 802, 804 is generated by fans 10 aand 50 (and, in the FIG. 1 embodiment, also fan lob). In the preferredembodiment, each of the fans is EBM Model No. W2G130-AA33-01, 14 Watts.Each of the fans is mounted with simple metal brackets and sheet metalscrews to the metal duct work housing 806. FIG. 1 shows the presence ofseparate fans 10 a, 10 b for each of exchangers 802, and 804. Thefunction of these two fans could also be accomplished with only one fanif the conduits (ducts) 304 and 604 are joined together.

Referring to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 4, the compressor 20 is disposedwithin a collection container 60 which defines a collection space 62 toeffect collection and containment of any gaseous fluid (consistingessentially of gaseous hydrogen) which may escape or leak from thecompressor 20 as gaseous fluid leakage flow. Preferably, the collectioncontainer 60 is made from 6061 aluminum. The outer diameter of thiscompressor container 60 or “can” is 11 inches, with a wall thickness of0.5 inches, and a length of 17 inches. Flat, circular, aluminum endplates 61, 63, that are 0.75 inches thick, are attached to the ends of atubular portion 65 to seal the “can”. The end plates 61, 63 are attachedto the tubular portion 65 via the use of 36 equally spaced high strengthmachine screws. An O-ring is disposed between each of the ends of thetubular portion 65 and the respective end plates 61, 63 to provide aleak tight seal of the endplates 61, 63 to the tubular portion 65. Thecontainer is mounted on a stand 19 which, in turn, is mountable to theframe 6 of the vehicle 4.

Preferably, the interior of the container 60 includes a precious metalbased catalytic material that has been treated to operate in a moistenvironment and is provided to convert free oxygen within the space 62,with hydrogen that is present, into water vapor, thus keeping thepresence of oxygen in the system at very low concentrations at alltimes. Preferably, the catalytic material is a fuel cell type catalyticelectrode material that has been applied to an 8 inch porous substrate,and then suitably mounted within the container 60.

The collection space 62 is fluidly coupled to the suction 22 of thecompressor through a return conduit 64. The return conduit 64 iscoupled, at a tee junction 66, to a suction conduit 26 extending fromthe suction 22 of the compressor. A one-way valve 68 (eg. a check valve)is disposed in the return conduit 64. The one-way valve 68 is configuredto prevent flow from the suction conduit 26, through the return conduit64, and to the collection container 60. The one-way valve is normallybiased closed (ie., preventing fluid flow through conduit 64). Oncesufficient gaseous fluid (consisting essentially of hydrogen) becomescollected within the collection container 60 so that the pressure of thecollected gaseous fluid exceeds the combination of the mechanical biasof the one-way valve 68 and the fluid pressure on the downstream side(when fluid flow is understood to be from the collection container 60,through the conduit 64, and to the compressor suction 22) of the one-wayvalve 68, the one-way valve 68 is forced open so as to facilitate flowof the collected gaseous fluid from the collection container 60 and tothe compressor suction 22 so as to thereby effect usage of at least aportion, and preferably a significant portion, of the gaseous fluidwhich leaks from the compressor 20. In this respect, the valve 68 opensin response to the condition where the pressure in the container 60exceeds the fluid pressure in the suction conduit 26 (or suction 22) bya minimum predetermined amount. The valve 68 is rated to open at 1 psig.In the preferred embodiment, the valve 68 is a Circle Seal Model No.2232B-2MM.

The collection container 60 is also provided with a relief valve 6002mounted to the exterior of the container 60. The relief valve 6002 israted to open at 50 psig and is fluidly coupled to the collection space62 and is provided to provide overpressure protection for the container60 in the event that pressure in the container 60 were to rise above 50psig, thus preventing the possibility of excessive pressure occurringwithin the container 60. The relief valve 6002 is configured todischarge to the immediate environment. Preferably, the relief valve6002 is Circle Seal, Model No. HP532B-2M-50.

Upstream of the relief valve 6002, and disposed within the collectionspace 62, a check valve 6004 is provided. The check valve is rated toopen at 1 psig. The check valve 6004 prevents air and/or contaminationfrom entering the compressor container 60 if the relief valve 6002 wereto be inadvertently opened, or if one desired to replace the reliefvalve 6002 with a relief valve of a different setting. Preferably, thecheck valve 6004 is Circle Seal, Model No. 2232B-2MM.

The collection container is further provided with an access valve 6006mounted to the exterior of the container 60. The access valve 6006 isfluidly coupled to the collection space 60 for removing air and/orcontamination from the collection space, and for the addition ofhydrogen and/or other gases into the collection space. In the preferredembodiment, the access valve 6006 is Swagelock Model No. B-4HK4.

Referring to FIG. 5, the compressor 20 includes a variable volume space2002 disposed within a housing 2004 of the compressor 20. The variablevolume space 2002 communicates with the suction 22 and discharge 24 ofthe compressor 20. The compressor 20 receives a low pressure gaseousfluid consisting essentially of gaseous hydrogen (and, in a preferredembodiment, gaseous hydrogen desorbed from a hydrogen storage material)through the suction 22, and the received gaseous fluid is then flowed tothe variable volume space 2002. The gaseous fluid in the variable volumespace is then compressed by a moveable piston 2006 of the compressor 20,resulting in the pressurization of the gaseous fluid. In this respect,the space 2002 is an example of a fluid compression space. The piston2006 is connected by a connecting rod 2008 to a crank 2010 on a shaft ofan electric motor. The shaft turns the crank 2010, which in turn drivesor otherwise actuates the piston 2006 via the connecting rod 2008 toeffect compression of the gaseous fluid and to form a high pressuregaseous fluid consisting essentially of gaseous hydrogen. The highpressure gaseous fluid then becomes discharged from the compressorthrough the discharge 24, and is flowed to the container 30 or 40containing the hydrogen storage material undergoing a regenerationcycle.

The piston 2006 is substantially sealed against the housing 2004 of thecompressor 20 with a sealing member 2014 so as to substantially preventleakage of the gaseous fluid from the variable volume space 2002.Referring to FIG. 5 a, in one embodiment, the sealing member is a u-cupseal, an o-ring seal, or a piston ring seal. Alternatively, andreferring to FIG. 5 b, the sealing member 2014 is a rolling diaphragmseal which extends between, and is coupled to each of the piston 2006and the housing 2004. Preferably, the rolling diaphragm seal is analuminized Mylar™ sheet, bonded on both sides with a rubber diaphragmmaterial (preferably VITON™) (ie., the aluminized Mylar™ sheet issandwiched between two diaphragms of VITON™). However, when leakage ofthe gaseous fluid does occur from the variable volume space 2002 andpast or across the sealing member 2014 of the piston 2006 by virtue of abypass conduit 2009, such leaked gaseous fluid flow 2011 is intended tobe collected within the collection container 60, and then re-introducedto the suction 22 of the compressor 20 in the manner described above.Leakage from the compressor 20 is understood to include leakage from thevariable volume space 2002 and includes flow past or across the sealingmember 2014 of the piston 2006 which effects substantial sealing of thepiston 2006 against the housing 2004. For the u-cup seal, or o-ringseal, or piston ring seal, the major leakage is between the sealingmember and the housing. In the case of the rolling diaphragm seal, theleakage results from diffusion of the gaseous fluid across thediaphragm. The rate of leaked gaseous fluid flow can be expected to beanywhere from less than 5% to less than 50% of the total flow of gaseousfluid through the compressor 20. Preferably, the compressor 20 is aThomas Model No. 2650CE44. This compressor 20 has a suction pressure of15 psia and a discharge pressure of 75 psia at a flow of 125 SLPM.

Referring to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, the compressor 20 fluidlycommunicates with the first and second hydrogen storage materials viafluid passages defined by fluid flow conduits extending through (orpenetrating) the collection container 60. The fluid flow conduits aresealed or substantially sealed to the collection container 60 (eg., bymeans of welding, or by means of conventional tapered national standardpipe threads) for preventing, or substantially preventing, any leakageof collected gaseous hydrogen from the collection container 60 andexternally of the collection container 60. Additionally, the compressor20 is electrically coupled to a power supply via suitable wiring whichextends through (or penetrates) the collection container 60. The wireconnections are sealed or substantially sealed to the collectioncontainer 60 via “Pete's Plug” fittings. These effect sealing of thewire against the collection container 60 by compressing rubber sealsevenly around the protruding wire.

The suction conduit 26 extends from the compressor suction 22 and isfluidly coupled to a hydrogen return conduit 806 coupling to a teejunction 808. The hydrogen return conduit 806 is fluidly coupled to eachof the hydrogen supply/return conduits 8022, 8042 for the respectivecontainers 30, 40, by a respective tee junction, 8024, 8044. Each of thehydrogen supply/return conduits 8022, 8042 is fluidly coupled to arespective container 30, 40. This described manner of fluid couplingfacilitates fluid communication between each of the containers 30, 40and the compressor suction 22, and thereby facilitate flow of lowpressure gaseous fluid consisting essentially of gaseous hydrogen fromcontainers 30, 40 during the respective cooling cycle.

The tee junction 808 includes a pressure gauge port. This port allowseither an analog pressure gauge or pressure transducer to be attached,which enables the pressure of the gaseous fluid at this point to beknown during the operation of the system.

Each of pressure relief devices 8028, 8048 are mounted to the respectivetee junction 8024, 8044. These pressure relief devices are set torelease gaseous fluid from the system at any time if the pressure ofthis gaseous fluid were to rise to a value greater than 150 psig, thuskeeping the system pressure at less than or equal to 150 psig. In thepreferred embodiment, each of the relief devices 8028, 8048 is a CircleSeal, Model No. HP532B-2M-150.

Each of manual isolation valves 8029, 8049 is disposed in a respectivehydrogen supply/return conduit 8022, 8042 between a respective teejunction 8024, 8044 and a respective container 30, 40. These isolationvalves help to isolate the heat exchangers 802, 804 from the systempiping so that air and contamination cannot enter the heat exchangers802, 804 during system assembly. In the preferred embodiment, each ofthe isolation valves is a Nupro Model No. B-4P6T4.

Each of particle filters 8030, 8050 is also disposed between arespective isolation valve 8022, 8024 and a respective container 30, 40.These particle filters capture and thus prevent particle contaminationfrom entering the solenoid valves, and thus prevents disruption ofsuccessful and leak tight operation. In one embodiment, the particlefilters are Parker/Balston's model number 97S6.

Solenoid valve 8026 is disposed in conduit 806 between tee junctions 808and 8024 to open and close fluid communication between the container 30and the compressor suction 22. Solenoid valve 8026 is open when the heatexchanger 802 is in the cooling cycling mode, and is closed when theheat exchanger 802 is in the regeneration cycle mode. Solenoid valve8046 is disposed in conduit 806 between tee junctions 808 and 8044 toopen and close fluid communication between the container 40 and thecompressor suction 22. Solenoid valve 8046 is open when the heatexchanger 804 is in the cooling cycle mode, and is closed when the heatexchanger 804 is in the regeneration cycle mode.

The isolation valve 261 is used (the valve is closed) only during systemassembly, to keep air and contamination from entering the container 60.In the preferred embodiment, the isolation valve 261 is McMaster-CarrModel No. 4912K48.

A discharge conduit 241 extends from the compressor discharge 24, and isfluidly coupled to a hydrogen supply conduit 810 by coupling to a teejunction 812. Isolation valve 245 is disposed in conduit 241, betweenthe discharge 24 and the tee junction 812. Isolation valve 245 is used(ie. the valve is closed) only during system assembly, to keep air andcontamination from entering the discharge outlet connection of thecompressor 20. The hydrogen supply conduit 810 is fluidly coupled toeach of the hydrogen supply/return conduits 8022, 8042 by a respectivetee junction 8024, 8044. This described manner of fluid couplingfacilitates fluid communication between each of the containers 30, 40and the compressor discharge 24, and thereby facilitates flow of highpressure gaseous fluid consisting essentially of hydrogen from thecompressor discharge 24 to the containers 30, 40 during the respectiveregeneration cycle.

A relief valve 247 is fluidly coupled to discharge conduit 241 betweenthe discharge 24 and the isolation valve 245. The relief valve 247 is a130 psig relief valve. Preferably, the relief valve 247 is Circle Seal,Model No. HP532B-2M-130. The relief valve 247 discharge is fluidlycoupled to the suction conduit 26 between the isolation valve 261 andthe suction 22. The relief valve 247 is provided for allowing highpressure gas to flow back to the suction of the compressor 20 shouldvalve 245 (or any other solenoid or access valve) be inappropriatelyclosed, thus prolonging the operational life of the compressor 50.

A further relief valve 249 is fluidly coupled to discharge conduit 241downstream of the relief valve 247 and upstream of the isolation valve245. The relief valve 249 is a 150 psig relief valve. Preferably, therelief valve 249 is Circle Seal, Model No. HP532B-2M-150. The reliefvalve 249 discharges to the immediate environment, and is provided forallowing high pressure gas to escape the discharge of the compressorshould relief valve 247 not function properly and/or the pressure at thedischarge exceed 150 psig.

Preferably, the isolation valve 245 is McMaster-Carr Model No. 4912K86.

Solenoid valve 8032 is disposed in the conduit 810 between the teejunctions 812 and 8024 to open and close fluid communication between thecontainer 30 and the compressor discharge 24. Solenoid valve 8032 isopen when the heat exchanger 802 is in the regeneration cycle mode, andis closed when the heat exchanger 802 is in the cooling cycle mode.Solenoid valve 8052 is disposed in the conduit 810 between the teejunctions 812 and 8044 to open and close fluid communication between thecontainer 40 and the compressor discharge 24. Solenoid valve 8052 isopen when heat exchanger 804 is in the regeneration cycle mode, and isclosed when the heat exchanger 804 is in the cooling cycle mode.

In the preferred embodiment, each of the solenoid valves 8026, 8046,8032 and 8052 is a Kip Model No. 241116.

A H₂/Fill/Purge Evacuation valve 243 is disposed in the dischargeconduit 241, between the compressor discharge 24 and the tee junction812. This valve 243 is used to provide an access port during systemassembly so that air and contamination can be removed from the system,via the use of a vacuum. Once the system has been evacuated, thengaseous hydrogen can be introduced through the valve 243 and the systemcan then be “charged” with the necessary amount of hydrogen gas. Anexample of the valve 243 is Whitey valve, model number B-1KF4.

A programmable logic controller 900 is provided to control the operationof the compressor 20, the fans 10 a, 10 b and 50, and the solenoidvalves 8026, 8046, 8032, 8052, including effecting parallel operation ofcooling and regeneration cycles. This controller will open the solenoidvalves at the appropriate time so as to provide the most optimaloperation of the heat exchangers 802, 804 given the ambient conditionsand the desired cooling output temperature. The controller 900 may alsobe used to operate the above-mentioned dampers.

In general, components of the system will be connected using soldered,silver soldered, and welded connections. The fluid conduits and othercomponents which contain gaseous hydrogen are copper tubing with anouter diameter of 0.375 inches, and a tube wall thickness of 0.035inches.

Electrical power can be supplied to the various components by couplingof electrical motors to an electrical system of the vehicle.Alternatively, power can be supplied by an independent electricalgenerator.

Referring to FIG. 7, the system 2 can be mounted to the frame 6 of avehicle 4, and suitable fluid connections of the conduits of the systemcan be made to existing air flow ducts of the vehicle for fluidcommunication with vehicle interior air 5. Also, for those conduitsrequiring fluid communication with the ambient air 7 external to thevehicle, conduits (ducts) can be configured to extend outside of theengine compartment to receive such ambient air without substantialthermal influences from the engine compartment.

The operation of the preferred embodiment of the system of the presentinvention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, whereeach of the first and second hydrogen storage materials consistsessentially of La Ni₅ and also includes about 0.25 wt % platinum and0.25 wt % palladium (each based on total weight of the hydrogen storagematerial) for catalytic function, and also includes about 0.5 wt %(based on total weight of the hydrogen storage material) of Syloid-63 (adessicant).

-   1. Start: All components off.-   2. Action:Turn on main power switch from either “Off” to “Manual    Control”, or “Off” to “Automatic Cooling”.-   3. If switched to “Manual Control”, power would now be supplied to    several on/off “power” switches. Each solenoid, fan and compressor    (and dampers) will have its own switch that can be manually    energized as desired, so as to effect operation of the system in a    manner similar to that described below for the “Automatic Cooling”    mode.-   4. If switched to “Automatic Cooling”, system would proceed through    four separate, consecutive time intervals, namely Time Interval Nos.    1 through 4.

The system then repeats itself, for so long as desired.

During Time Interval Nos. 1 and 2, heat exchanger 802 is in the coolingmode, and heat exchanger 804 is in the heat rejection mode(regeneration). Flow of gaseous fluid consisting essentially of gaseoushydrogen during this time will average about 125 SLPM (Standard LitresPer Minute). The temperature of heat exchanger 802 during this time willbe about 7° C., and the heat exchanger 802 operates at a pressure ofabout 15 psia (ie. the pressure of the gaseous fluid consistingessentially of gaseous hydrogen within the heat exchanger is about 15psia). The temperature of the air leaving the heat exchanger 802 shouldbe about 18° C. The temperature of heat exchanger 804 during this timewill be about 40° C., and the heat exchanger 804 operates at a pressureof about 75 psia (ie. the pressure of the gaseous fluid consistingessentially of gaseous hydrogen within the heat exchanger is about 75psia). The temperature of the air leaving heat exchanger 804 should beabout 40° C.

Initially, the system operates in Time Interval No. 1. The duration ofTime Interval No. 1 is variable, and lasts from 0 to at least 30seconds. Three (3) seconds is a preferred duration for Time IntervalNo. 1. At the beginning of Time Interval No. 1, compressors are turnedon (compressors remain on after this and continuously through TimeInterval Nos., 1, 2, 3, and 4). Heat exchanger 802 is in the coolingmode, and the dampers 3021 and 3045 are open. Heat exchanger 804 is inthe heat rejection mode (regeneration), and the dampers 5023 and 5047are open. All other dampers are closed. Fans 10 a and 50 are on. Airflow rate generated by fan 10 a (during cooling mode) is maintainedrelatively less than the air flow rate generated by fan 50 (duringregeneration). Preferably, the air flow rate during cooling mode is 50%less than the air flow rate during regeneration mode. In this respect,air velocity during the regeneration mode is 5 m/s, and air velocityduring the cooling mode is 2.5 m/s. However, the program controller maydetermine that a higher air flow rate for either fan 10 a and/or fan 50is desired in order to provide optimal heat exchanger performance.

Solenoid valves 8026, 8046, 8032, and 8052 are all open during TimeInterval No. 1. This is done to allow the hydrogen pressure in thesystem to equilibrate quickly, thus equalizing the temperature of eachheat exchanger and ensuring that the pressure differential (between thecompressor inlet and the compressor discharge) are minimal during systembed switchover, thus providing a gentle and gradual pressure gradientfor the compressor, as well as improve the efficiency of the heatexchangers.

After Time Interval No. 1 is completed, Time Interval No. 2 begins andlasts from 0 to at least 500 seconds. One hundred and twenty (120)seconds is a preferred duration for Time Interval No. 2. Uponcommencement of Time Interval No. 2, solenoid valves 8046 and 8032close. This leaves solenoid valves 8026 and 8052 open, and heatexchanger 802 is in the cooling mode, and heat exchanger 804 is in theregeneration mode.

After Time Interval No. 2 is completed, Time Interval Nos. 3 and 4proceed sequentially. During Time Interval Nos. 3 and 4, heat exchanger802 is in the heat rejection mode (regeneration), and heat exchanger 804is in the cooling mode. Flow of gaseous fluid consisting essentially ofgaseous hydrogen through the compressor during this time will averageabout 125 SLPM. The temperature of heat exchanger 804 during this timewill be about 7° C., and the heat exchanger 802 operates at a pressureof about 15 psia (ie. the pressure of the gaseous fluid consistingessentially of gaseous hydrogen within the heat exchanger is about 15psia). The temperature of the air leaving heat exchanger 804 should beabout 18° C. The temperature of heat exchanger 802 during this time willbe about 40° C., and the heat exchanger 802 operates at a pressure ofabout 75 psia (ie. the pressure of the gaseous fluid consistingessentially of hydrogen within the heat exchanger is about 75 psia). Thetemperature of the air leaving heat exchanger 802 should be about 40° C.

The duration of Time Interval No. 3 is variable, and lasts from 0 to atleast 30 seconds. Three (3) seconds is a preferred duration for TimeInterval No. 3. During Time Interval No. 3, heat exchanger 802 is in theheat rejection mode (regeneration), and dampers 4022 and 4046 are open.Also, heat exchanger 804 is in the cooling mode and dampers 6024 and6048 are open. All other dampers are closed. Fans 10 b (or 10 a, in thecase of the above-described embodiment where conduits 304 and 604 arejoined together) and 50 are on. Air flow generated by fan 50 duringcooling is maintained relatively less than the air flow rate generatedby fan 10 b (or 10 a) during regeneration. Preferably, air velocityduring the regeneration mode is 5 m/s, and air velocity during thecooling mode is 2.5 m/s (ie. preferably, the air flow rate during thecooling mode is 50% less than the air flow rate during regenerationmode). However, the program controller may determine that a higher airflow rate for either fan 10 b (or 10 a) and/or fan 50 is desired inorder to provide optimal heat exchanger performance.

Solenoid valves 8026, 8046, 8032 and 8052 are all open during TimeInterval No. 3. This is done to allow the gaseous fluid pressure in thesystem to equilibrate quickly, thus equalizing the temperature of eachheat exchanger and ensuring that the pressure differential (between thecompressor suction and the compressor discharge) are minimal duringsystem bed switchover, thus providing a gentle and gradual pressuregradient for the compressor, as well as improve the efficiency of theheat exchangers.

After Time Interval No. 3 is completed, Time Interval No. 4 begins andlasts from 0 to at least 500 seconds. One hundred and twenty (120)seconds is a preferred duration for Time Interval No. 4. Uponcommencement of Time Interval No. 4, solenoid valves 8026 and 8052close. This leaves each of solenoid valves 8032 and 8046 in an opencondition, and heat exchanger 802 in the regeneration mode, and heatexchanger 804 in the cooling mode.

After completion of Time Interval No. 4, the system can repeat itself,beginning at Time Interval No. 1, and moving through Time Interval Nos.2, 3, and 4.

Although the disclosure describes and illustrates preferred embodimentsof the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to these particular embodiments. Many variations andmodifications may occur to those skilled in the art within the scope ofthe invention.

1. A system for flowing gaseous fluid comprising: a collectioncontainer; compression machinery disposed within the collectioncontainer, and including an inlet, a fluid compression space, and anoutlet, wherein the inlet is fluidly coupled to the outlet through thefluid compression space, and wherein the inlet is fluidly coupled to aninlet fluid conduit and the outlet is fluidly coupled to an outlet fluidconduit and each of the inlet and outlet fluid conduits extends throughand externally of the container; wherein the collection container isconfigured for receiving gaseous fluid leakage flow from the compressionspace, and is fluidly coupled to the inlet of the compression machineryto facilitate flow of the received leaked gaseous fluid to the inlet ofthe compression machinery.
 2. The system as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe collection container is fluidly coupled to the inlet fluid conduitby a return fluid conduit, and wherein a one-way valve is disposed inthe return fluid conduit and is configured to prevent fluid flow throughthe return conduit from the inlet fluid conduit and to the container. 3.The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the one-way valve is biased toa normally closed position preventing flow through the return conduit.4. The system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the one-way valve isconfigured to open in response to a condition wherein a fluid pressurewithin the container exceeds a fluid pressure within the inlet fluidconduit by a predetermined minimum amount.
 5. The system as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the compression machinery includes a housing and thehousing defines the inlet and the outlet, and wherein the compressionspace is disposed within the housing, and wherein the housing isdisposed within the collection container.
 6. The system as claimed inclaim 5, wherein the compression machinery includes a bypass conduit foreffecting the leakage flow from the fluid compression space and to thecollection container.
 7. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein thebypass conduit is disposed in fluid communication with the fluidcompression space upstream of the outlet and downstream of the inlet. 8.A system for flowing gaseous hydrogen comprising: a collectioncontainer; compression machinery disposed within the collectioncontainer, and including an inlet, a fluid compression space, and anoutlet, wherein the inlet is fluidly coupled to the outlet through thefluid compression space, and wherein the inlet is coupled to an inletfluid conduit and the outlet is coupled to an outlet fluid conduit andeach of the inlet and outlet fluid conduits extends through andexternally of the container; and a hydrogen storage container containingat least one hydrogen storage material and fluidly coupled to the outletof the compression machinery; wherein the collection container isconfigured for receiving gaseous hydrogen leakage flow from thecompression space, and wherein the collection container is fluidlycoupled to the inlet of the compression machinery to facilitate flow ofthe leaked gaseous fluid to the inlet of the compression machinery. 9.The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the collection container isfluidly coupled to the inlet fluid conduit by a return fluid conduit,and wherein a one-way valve is disposed in the return fluid conduit andis configured to prevent fluid flow through the return conduit from theinlet fluid conduit and to the container.
 10. The system as claimed inclaim 9, wherein the one-way valve is biased to a normally closedposition preventing flow through the return conduit.
 11. The system asclaimed in claim 10, wherein the one-way valve is configured to open inresponse to a condition wherein a fluid pressure within the containerexceeds a fluid pressure within the inlet fluid conduit by apredetermined minimum amount.
 12. The system as claimed in claim 8,wherein the compression machinery includes a housing and the housingdefines the inlet and the outlet, and wherein the compression space isdisposed within the housing, and wherein the housing is disposed withinthe collection container.
 13. The system as claimed in claim 12, whereinthe compression machinery includes a bypass conduit for effecting theleakage flow from the fluid compression space and to the collectioncontainer.
 14. The system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the bypassconduit is disposed upstream of the outlet and downstream of the inlet.15. A system for flowing gaseous fluid comprising: a collectioncontainer; compression machinery comprising: an inlet; a fluidcompression space fluidly coupled to the inlet; a moveable memberdisposed in force application communication relative to the fluidcompression space and configured for effecting an application of a forceto the fluid compression space upon a movement of the moveable member;and an outlet fluidly coupled to the fluid compression space; whereinthe collection container is configured for receiving gaseous fluidleakage flow across the moveable member from the fluid compressionspace, and is fluidly coupled to the inlet of the compression machineryto facilitate flow of the received leaked gaseous fluid to the inlet ofthe compression machinery.
 16. The system as claimed in claim 15,wherein the collection container is fluidly coupled to the inlet by areturn fluid conduit, and wherein a one-way valve is disposed in thereturn fluid conduit and is configured to prevent fluid flow through thereturn conduit from the inlet and to the container.
 17. The system asclaimed in claim 16, wherein the one-way valve is biased to a normallyclosed position preventing flow through the return conduit.
 18. Thesystem as claimed in claim 16, wherein the one-way valve is configuredto open in response to a condition wherein a fluid pressure within thecontainer exceeds a fluid pressure at the inlet by a predeterminedminimum amount.
 19. The system as claimed in claim 15, wherein theapplication of the force is configured to effect pressurization of anygaseous fluid in the fluid compression space and effect flow of thepressurized gaseous fluid through the outlet.
 20. The system as claimedin claim 19, wherein the compression machinery includes a housingdefining the inlet and the outlet and the fluid compression space isdisposed within the housing, and wherein the compressor machineryfurther comprises a bypass conduit for effecting the gaseous fluidleakage flow from the fluid compression space and across the moveablemember.
 21. The system as claimed in claim 20, wherein the compressionmachinery includes a housing, the housing defining the inlet and theoutlet, wherein the fluid compression space is disposed within thehousing, and wherein the moveable member is configured for movementrelative to the housing, and wherein the collection container isconfigured to receive any gaseous fluid leakage flow through a bypassconduit defined between the moveable member and the housing.
 22. Thesystem as claimed in claim 21, wherein the bypass conduit is disposedupstream of the outlet and downstream of the inlet.
 23. The system asclaimed in claim 19, wherein the compression machinery includes ahousing, wherein the fluid compression space is disposed within thehousing, and wherein the moveable member comprises a piston and arolling diaphragm member, and wherein the piston is coupled to thehousing by the rolling diaphragm member, and wherein a bypass conduit isprovided in the rolling diaphragm to facilitate the gaseous fluidleakage flow.
 24. The system as claimed in claim 23, wherein the bypassconduit is disposed upstream of the outlet and downstream of the inlet.25. A system for flowing gaseous fluid comprising: a collectioncontainer; compression machinery comprising: an inlet; a fluidcompression space fluidly coupled to the inlet; a moveable memberdisposed in force application communication relative to the fluidcompression space and configured for effecting an application of a forceto the fluid compression space upon a movement of the moveable member;and an outlet fluidly coupled to the fluid compression space; and ahydrogen storage container containing at least one hydrogen storagematerial and fluidly coupled to the outlet of the compression machinery;wherein the collection container is configured for receiving gaseousfluid which leaks across the moveable member from the compression space,and is fluidly coupled to the inlet of the compression machinery tofacilitate flow of the leaked gaseous fluid to the inlet of thecompression machinery.
 26. The system as claimed in claim 25, whereinthe collection container is fluidly coupled to the inlet by a returnfluid conduit, and wherein a one-way valve is disposed in the returnfluid conduit and is configured to prevent fluid flow through the returnconduit from the inlet and to the container.
 27. The system as claimedin claim 26, wherein the one-way valve is biased to a normally closedposition preventing flow through the return conduit.
 28. The system asclaimed in claim 27, wherein the one-way valve is configured to open inresponse to a condition wherein a fluid pressure within the containerexceeds a fluid pressure at the inlet by a predetermined minimum amount.29. The system as claimed in claim 26, wherein the application of theforce is configured to effect pressurization of any gaseous fluid in thefluid compression space and effect flow of the pressurized gaseous fluidthrough the outlet.
 30. The system as claimed in claim 29, wherein thecompression machinery includes a housing defining the inlet and theoutlet and the fluid compression space is disposed within the housing,and wherein the compressor machinery further comprises a bypass conduitfor effecting the gaseous fluid leakage flow from the fluid compressionspace and across the moveable member.
 31. The system as claimed in claim30, wherein the compression machinery includes a housing, the housingdefining the inlet and the outlet, wherein the fluid compression spaceis disposed within the housing, and wherein the moveable member isconfigured for movement relative to the housing, and wherein thecollection container is configured to receive any gaseous fluid leakageflow through a bypass conduit defined between the moveable member andthe housing.
 32. The system as claimed in claim 31, wherein the bypassconduit is disposed upstream of the outlet and downstream of the inlet.33. The system as claimed in claim 29, wherein the compression machineryincludes a housing, wherein the fluid compression space is disposedwithin the housing, and wherein the moveable member comprises a pistonand a rolling diaphragm member, and wherein the piston is coupled to thehousing by the rolling diaphragm member, and wherein a bypass conduit isprovided in the rolling diaphragm to facilitate the gaseous fluidleakage flow.
 34. The system as claimed in claim 33, wherein the bypassconduit is disposed upstream of the outlet and downstream of the inlet.35. A system for effecting cooling of a first process fluid and heatingof a second process fluid comprising: a first hydrogen storage containercontaining at least one first hydrogen storage material; a first processfluid conduit disposed in thermal communication disposition with thehydrogen storage container; compression machinery fluidly coupled to thefirst hydrogen storage container for receiving a low pressure gaseousfluid from the hydrogen storage container, and configured forpressurizing the received low pressure gaseous fluid to provide a highpressure gaseous fluid, and discharging a flow of the high pressuregaseous fluid; a second hydrogen storage container fluidly coupled tothe compression machinery for receiving the discharged flow of the highpressure gaseous fluid, the second hydrogen storage container containingat least one second hydrogen storage material; and a second processfluid conduit disposed in thermal communication disposition with thehydrogen storage container.
 36. The system as claimed in claim 35,wherein at least a portion of the first hydrogen storage container isdisposed within the first process fluid conduit, and wherein at least aportion of the second hydrogen storage container is disposed within thesecond process fluid conduit.
 37. The system as claimed in claim 36,wherein compression machinery includes: an inlet fluidly coupled to thefirst hydrogen storage container for receiving the low pressure gaseousfluid from the first hydrogen storage container; a fluid compressionspace fluidly coupled to the inlet; a moveable member disposed in forceapplication communication relative to the fluid compression space andconfigured for effecting an application of a force to the fluidcompression space upon a movement of the moveable member to effect thepressurizing of the received low pressure gaseous fluid to provide aflow of high pressure gaseous fluid; and an outlet fluidly coupled tothe fluid compression space and configured for discharging the flow ofthe high pressure gaseous fluid; wherein the second hydrogen storagecontainer is fluidly coupled to the outlet for receiving the dischargedflow of the high pressure gaseous fluid.
 38. The system as claimed inclaim 37, wherein each of the first and second hydrogen storagematerials comprises a metal hydride material.
 39. A vehicle including apassenger compartment and a cooling system, the cooling systemcomprising: a first hydrogen storage container containing at least onefirst hydrogen storage material; a first process fluid conduit disposedin thermal communication disposition with the hydrogen storagecontainer, and fluidly coupled to the passenger compartment for flowinghot ambient air flow received from within the passenger compartment andeffecting heat transfer from the hot ambient air flow to the firsthydrogen storage container to provide a cooled ambient air flow to thepassenger compartment; compression machinery fluidly coupled to thefirst hydrogen storage container for receiving a low pressure gaseousfluid from the hydrogen storage container, and configured forpressurizing the received low pressure gaseous fluid to provide a highpressure gaseous fluid, and discharging a flow of the high pressuregaseous fluid; a second hydrogen storage container fluidly coupled tothe compression machinery for receiving the discharged flow of the highpressure gaseous fluid, the second hydrogen storage container containingat least one second hydrogen storage material; and a second processfluid conduit disposed in thermal communication disposition with thehydrogen storage container, and fluidly coupled to an environmentexterior to the vehicle.
 40. The vehicle as claimed in claim 39, whereinat least a portion of the first hydrogen storage container is disposedwithin the first process fluid conduit, and wherein at least a portionof the second hydrogen storage container is disposed within the secondprocess fluid conduit.
 41. The vehicle as claimed in claim 40, whereincompression machinery includes: an inlet fluidly coupled to the firsthydrogen storage container for receiving the low pressure gaseous fluidfrom the first hydrogen storage container; a fluid compression spacefluidly coupled to the inlet; a moveable member disposed in forceapplication communication relative to the fluid compression space andconfigured for effecting an application of a force to the fluidcompression space upon a movement of the moveable member to effect thepressurizing of the received low pressure gaseous fluid to provide aflow of high pressure gaseous fluid; and an outlet fluidly coupled tothe fluid compression space and configured for discharging the flow ofthe high pressure gaseous fluid; wherein the second hydrogen storagecontainer is fluidly coupled to the outlet for receiving the dischargedflow of the high pressure gaseous fluid.
 42. The vehicle as claimed inclaim 41, wherein each of the first and second hydrogen storage materialcomprises a metal hydride material.
 43. A method of flowing gaseousfluid comprising: pressurizing the gaseous fluid with compressionmachinery; collecting gaseous fluid which leaks from within thecompression machinery in a collection container; and flowing thecollected leaked gaseous fluid to the compression machinery.
 44. Themethod as claimed in claim 43, wherein the compression machineryincludes an inlet, a fluid compression space, and an outlet, wherein theinlet is fluidly coupled to the outlet through the fluid compressionspace, and wherein the leaking gaseous fluid leaks from the fluidcompression space.
 45. The method as claimed in claim 44, wherein thecollected leaked gaseous fluid is flowed to the compression machinery inresponse to a condition wherein a fluid pressure in the containerexceeds a fluid pressure at the inlet by a minimum predetermined amount.46. The system as claimed in claim 45, wherein the compression machineryincludes a housing, the housing defining the inlet and the outlet,wherein the fluid compression space is disposed within the housing, andthe gaseous fluid leaks from the fluid compression space.
 47. The systemas claimed in claim 46, wherein the gaseous fluid leaks from upstream ofthe outlet and downstream of the inlet.
 48. The method as claimed inclaim 47 wherein the gaseous fluid consists essentially of gaseoushydrogen.
 49. The method as claimed in claim 48 wherein the gaseousfluid is gaseous hydrogen.
 50. A method of effecting cooling of a firstprocess fluid and heating of a second process fluid comprising:transferring heat from a hot first process fluid to a first hydrogenstorage material to effect desorption of gaseous hydrogen and provide acooled first process fluid; mechanically compressing the desorbedgaseous hydrogen to provide pressurized gaseous hydrogen; effectingabsorption of the pressurized gaseous hydrogen by a second hydrogenstorage material to produce heat energy; transferring the produced heatenergy to a second process fluid.